1
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Iwamoto N, Liu Y, Frank-Kamenetsky M, Maguire A, Tseng WC, Taborn K, Kothari N, Akhtar A, Bowman K, Shelke JD, Lamattina A, Hu XS, Jang HG, Kandasamy P, Liu F, Longo K, Looby R, Meena, Metterville J, Pan Q, Purcell-Estabrook E, Shimizu M, Prakasha PS, Standley S, Upadhyay H, Yang H, Yin Y, Zhao A, Francis C, Byrne M, Dale E, Verdine GL, Vargeese C. Preclinical evaluation of stereopure antisense oligonucleotides for allele-selective lowering of mutant HTT. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102246. [PMID: 39027419 PMCID: PMC11255113 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by the expansion of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) repeats in one copy of the HTT gene (mutant HTT, mHTT). The unaffected HTT gene encodes wild-type HTT (wtHTT) protein, which supports processes important for the health and function of the central nervous system. Selective lowering of mHTT for the treatment of HD may provide a benefit over nonselective HTT-lowering approaches, as it aims to preserve the beneficial activities of wtHTT. Targeting a heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) where the targeted variant is on the mHTT gene is one strategy for achieving allele-selective activity. Herein, we investigated whether stereopure phosphorothioate (PS)- and phosphoryl guanidine (PN)-containing oligonucleotides can direct allele-selective mHTT lowering by targeting rs362273 (SNP3). We demonstrate that our SNP3-targeting molecules are potent, durable, and selective for mHTT in vitro and in vivo in mouse models. Through comparisons with a surrogate for the nonselective investigational compound tominersen, we also demonstrate that allele-selective molecules display equivalent potency toward mHTT with improved durability while sparing wtHTT. Our preclinical findings support the advancement of WVE-003, an investigational allele-selective compound currently in clinical testing (NCT05032196) for the treatment of patients with HD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ali Akhtar
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fangjun Liu
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Ken Longo
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | - Meena
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | - Qianli Pan
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hailin Yang
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Yuan Yin
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | | | - Mike Byrne
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Elena Dale
- Wave Life Sciences, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Gregory L. Verdine
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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2
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Hang Z, Zhou L, Bian X, Liu G, Cui F, Du H, Wen Y. Potential application of aptamers combined with DNA nanoflowers in neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102444. [PMID: 39084322 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy of neurotherapeutic drugs hinges on their ability to traverse the blood-brain barrier and access the brain, which is crucial for treating or alleviating neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Given the absence of definitive cures for NDs, early diagnosis and intervention become paramount in impeding disease progression. However, conventional therapeutic drugs and existing diagnostic approaches must meet clinical demands. Consequently, there is a pressing need to advance drug delivery systems and early diagnostic methods tailored for NDs. Certain aptamers endowed with specific functionalities find widespread utility in the targeted therapy and diagnosis of NDs. DNA nanoflowers (DNFs), distinctive flower-shaped DNA nanomaterials, are intricately self-assembled through rolling ring amplification (RCA) of circular DNA templates. Notably, imbuing DNFs with diverse functionalities becomes seamlessly achievable by integrating aptamer sequences with specific functions into RCA templates, resulting in a novel nanomaterial, aptamer-bound DNFs (ADNFs) that amalgamates the advantageous features of both components. This article delves into the characteristics and applications of aptamers and DNFs, exploring the potential or application of ADNFs in drug-targeted delivery, direct treatment, early diagnosis, etc. The objective is to offer prospective ideas for the clinical treatment or diagnosis of NDs, thereby contributing to the ongoing efforts in this critical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongci Hang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Daxing Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Liping Zhou
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Daxing Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Xiaochun Bian
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Daxing Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Guotao Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Daxing Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Fenghe Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, No. 20 Yuhuangdingdong Road, Zhifu District, Yantai, Shandong 264000, China.
| | - Hongwu Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Daxing Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yongqiang Wen
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Bioengineering and Sensing Technology, Daxing Research Institute, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
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3
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Roth GV, Gengaro IR, Qi LS. Precision epigenetic editing: Technological advances, enduring challenges, and therapeutic applications. Cell Chem Biol 2024:S2451-9456(24)00309-X. [PMID: 39137782 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2024.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The epigenome is a complex framework through which gene expression is precisely and flexibly modulated to incorporate heritable memory and responses to environmental stimuli. It governs diverse cellular processes, including cell fate, disease, and aging. The need to understand this system and precisely control gene expression outputs for therapeutic purposes has precipitated the development of a diverse set of epigenetic editing tools. Here, we review the existing toolbox for targeted epigenetic editing, technical considerations of the current technologies, and opportunities for future development. We describe applications of therapeutic epigenetic editing and their potential for treating disease, with a discussion of ongoing delivery challenges that impede certain clinical interventions, particularly in the brain. With simultaneous advancements in available engineering tools and appropriate delivery technologies, we predict that epigenetic editing will increasingly cement itself as a powerful approach for safely treating a wide range of disorders in all tissues of the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldie V Roth
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Isabella R Gengaro
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lei S Qi
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Chan Zuckerberg Biohub - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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4
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McCutcheon SR, Rohm D, Iglesias N, Gersbach CA. Epigenome editing technologies for discovery and medicine. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:1199-1217. [PMID: 39075148 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-024-02320-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Epigenome editing has rapidly evolved in recent years, with diverse applications that include elucidating gene regulation mechanisms, annotating coding and noncoding genome functions and programming cell state and lineage specification. Importantly, given the ubiquitous role of epigenetics in complex phenotypes, epigenome editing has unique potential to impact a broad spectrum of diseases. By leveraging powerful DNA-targeting technologies, such as CRISPR, epigenome editing exploits the heritable and reversible mechanisms of epigenetics to alter gene expression without introducing DNA breaks, inducing DNA damage or relying on DNA repair pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean R McCutcheon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dahlia Rohm
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nahid Iglesias
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Charles A Gersbach
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for Advanced Genomic Technologies, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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5
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Neumann EN, Bertozzi TM, Wu E, Serack F, Harvey JW, Brauer PP, Pirtle CP, Coffey A, Howard M, Kamath N, Lenz K, Guzman K, Raymond MH, Khalil AS, Deverman BE, Minikel EV, Vallabh SM, Weissman JS. Brainwide silencing of prion protein by AAV-mediated delivery of an engineered compact epigenetic editor. Science 2024; 384:ado7082. [PMID: 38935715 DOI: 10.1126/science.ado7082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Prion disease is caused by misfolding of the prion protein (PrP) into pathogenic self-propagating conformations, leading to rapid-onset dementia and death. However, elimination of endogenous PrP halts prion disease progression. In this study, we describe Coupled Histone tail for Autoinhibition Release of Methyltransferase (CHARM), a compact, enzyme-free epigenetic editor capable of silencing transcription through programmable DNA methylation. Using a histone H3 tail-Dnmt3l fusion, CHARM recruits and activates endogenous DNA methyltransferases, thereby reducing transgene size and cytotoxicity. When delivered to the mouse brain by systemic injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV), Prnp-targeted CHARM ablates PrP expression across the brain. Furthermore, we have temporally limited editor expression by implementing a kinetically tuned self-silencing approach. CHARM potentially represents a broadly applicable strategy to suppress pathogenic proteins, including those implicated in other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin N Neumann
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tessa M Bertozzi
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Elaine Wu
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Fiona Serack
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - John W Harvey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Pamela P Brauer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Catherine P Pirtle
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Alissa Coffey
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michael Howard
- Comparative Medicine, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Nikita Kamath
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kenney Lenz
- Comparative Medicine, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kenia Guzman
- Comparative Medicine, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michael H Raymond
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ahmad S Khalil
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Benjamin E Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Eric Vallabh Minikel
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sonia M Vallabh
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health and Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan S Weissman
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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6
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Moldovean-Cioroianu NS. Reviewing the Structure-Function Paradigm in Polyglutamine Disorders: A Synergistic Perspective on Theoretical and Experimental Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6789. [PMID: 38928495 PMCID: PMC11204371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Polyglutamine (polyQ) disorders are a group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the excessive expansion of CAG (cytosine, adenine, guanine) repeats within host proteins. The quest to unravel the complex diseases mechanism has led researchers to adopt both theoretical and experimental methods, each offering unique insights into the underlying pathogenesis. This review emphasizes the significance of combining multiple approaches in the study of polyQ disorders, focusing on the structure-function correlations and the relevance of polyQ-related protein dynamics in neurodegeneration. By integrating computational/theoretical predictions with experimental observations, one can establish robust structure-function correlations, aiding in the identification of key molecular targets for therapeutic interventions. PolyQ proteins' dynamics, influenced by their length and interactions with other molecular partners, play a pivotal role in the polyQ-related pathogenic cascade. Moreover, conformational dynamics of polyQ proteins can trigger aggregation, leading to toxic assembles that hinder proper cellular homeostasis. Understanding these intricacies offers new avenues for therapeutic strategies by fine-tuning polyQ kinetics, in order to prevent and control disease progression. Last but not least, this review highlights the importance of integrating multidisciplinary efforts to advancing research in this field, bringing us closer to the ultimate goal of finding effective treatments against polyQ disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastasia Sanda Moldovean-Cioroianu
- Institute of Materials Science, Bioinspired Materials and Biosensor Technologies, Kiel University, Kaiserstraße 2, 24143 Kiel, Germany;
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, Kogălniceanu 1, RO-400084 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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7
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Katayama S, Watanabe M, Kato Y, Nomura W, Yamamoto T. Engineering of Zinc Finger Nucleases Through Structural Modeling Improves Genome Editing Efficiency in Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2310255. [PMID: 38600709 PMCID: PMC11187957 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Genome Editing is widely used in biomedical research and medicine. Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) are smaller in size than transcription activator-like effector (TALE) nucleases (TALENs) and CRISPR-Cas9. Therefore, ZFN-encoding DNAs can be easily packaged into a viral vector with limited cargo space, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, for in vivo and clinical applications. ZFNs have great potential for translational research and clinical use. However, constructing functional ZFNs and improving their genome editing efficiency is extremely difficult. Here, the efficient construction of functional ZFNs and the improvement of their genome editing efficiency using AlphaFold, Coot, and Rosetta are described. Plasmids encoding ZFNs consisting of six fingers using publicly available zinc-finger resources are assembled. Two functional ZFNs from the ten ZFNs tested are successfully obtained. Furthermore, the engineering of ZFNs using AlphaFold, Coot, or Rosetta increases the efficiency of genome editing by 5%, demonstrating the effectiveness of engineering ZFNs based on structural modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Katayama
- Genome Editing Innovation CenterHiroshima UniversityHigashi‐Hiroshima739‐0046Japan
| | - Masahiro Watanabe
- Research Institute for Sustainable ChemistryNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)Higashi‐Hiroshima739‐0046Japan
| | - Yoshio Kato
- Biomedical Research InstituteNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)Ibaraki305‐8566Japan
| | - Wataru Nomura
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshima734‐8553Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamoto
- Genome Editing Innovation CenterHiroshima UniversityHigashi‐Hiroshima739‐0046Japan
- Division of Integrated Sciences for LifeGraduate School of Integrated Sciences for LifeHiroshima UniversityHigashi‐Hiroshima739‐8526Japan
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8
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Motorina DM, Galimova YA, Battulina NV, Omelina ES. Systems for Targeted Silencing of Gene Expression and Their Application in Plants and Animals. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5231. [PMID: 38791270 PMCID: PMC11121118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, there are a variety of different approaches to the targeted regulation of gene expression. However, most approaches are devoted to the activation of gene transcription, and the methods for gene silencing are much fewer in number. In this review, we describe the main systems used for the targeted suppression of gene expression (including RNA interference (RNAi), chimeric transcription factors, chimeric zinc finger proteins, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs)-based repressors, optogenetic tools, and CRISPR/Cas-based repressors) and their application in eukaryotes-plants and animals. We consider the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, compare their effectiveness, and discuss the peculiarities of their usage in plant and animal organisms. This review will be useful for researchers in the field of gene transcription suppression and will allow them to choose the optimal method for suppressing the expression of the gene of interest depending on the research object.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Evgeniya S. Omelina
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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9
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Aldous SG, Smith EJ, Landles C, Osborne GF, Cañibano-Pico M, Nita IM, Phillips J, Zhang Y, Jin B, Hirst MB, Benn CL, Bond BC, Edelmann W, Greene JR, Bates GP. A CAG repeat threshold for therapeutics targeting somatic instability in Huntington's disease. Brain 2024; 147:1784-1798. [PMID: 38387080 PMCID: PMC11068328 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The Huntington's disease mutation is a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene that results in an expanded polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein. The CAG repeat is unstable and expansions of hundreds of CAGs have been detected in Huntington's disease post-mortem brains. The age of disease onset can be predicted partially from the length of the CAG repeat as measured in blood. Onset age is also determined by genetic modifiers, which in six cases involve variation in DNA mismatch repair pathways genes. Knocking-out specific mismatch repair genes in mouse models of Huntington's disease prevents somatic CAG repeat expansion. Taken together, these results have led to the hypothesis that somatic CAG repeat expansion in Huntington's disease brains is required for pathogenesis. Therefore, the pathogenic repeat threshold in brain is longer than (CAG)40, as measured in blood, and is currently unknown. The mismatch repair gene MSH3 has become a major focus for therapeutic development, as unlike other mismatch repair genes, nullizygosity for MSH3 does not cause malignancies associated with mismatch repair deficiency. Potential treatments targeting MSH3 currently under development include gene therapy, biologics and small molecules, which will be assessed for efficacy in mouse models of Huntington's disease. The zQ175 knock-in model carries a mutation of approximately (CAG)185 and develops early molecular and pathological phenotypes that have been extensively characterized. Therefore, we crossed the mutant huntingtin allele onto heterozygous and homozygous Msh3 knockout backgrounds to determine the maximum benefit of targeting Msh3 in this model. Ablation of Msh3 prevented somatic expansion throughout the brain and periphery, and reduction of Msh3 by 50% decreased the rate of expansion. This had no effect on the deposition of huntingtin aggregation in the nuclei of striatal neurons, nor on the dysregulated striatal transcriptional profile. This contrasts with ablating Msh3 in knock-in models with shorter CAG repeat expansions. Therefore, further expansion of a (CAG)185 repeat in striatal neurons does not accelerate the onset of molecular and neuropathological phenotypes. It is striking that highly expanded CAG repeats of a similar size in humans cause disease onset before 2 years of age, indicating that somatic CAG repeat expansion in the brain is not required for pathogenesis. Given that the trajectory for somatic CAG expansion in the brains of Huntington's disease mutation carriers is unknown, our study underlines the importance of administering treatments targeting somatic instability as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah G Aldous
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Edward J Smith
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Christian Landles
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Georgina F Osborne
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Maria Cañibano-Pico
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Iulia M Nita
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jemima Phillips
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Yongwei Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Bo Jin
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | | | - Caroline L Benn
- LoQus23 Therapeutics, Riverside, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Brian C Bond
- Prism Training and Consultancy Limited, St John's Innovation Centre, Cambridge, CB4 0WS, UK
| | - Winfried Edelmann
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | | | - Gillian P Bates
- Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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10
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Déglon N. Gene editing as a therapeutic strategy for spinocerebellar ataxia type-3. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2024; 180:378-382. [PMID: 38580500 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), also known as Machado-Joseph disease, is a neurodegenerative disease caused by expanded polyglutamine repeats in exon 10 of the ataxin-3 gene, ATXN3. The accumulation of mutant ATXN3 protein leads to severe clinical manifestations and premature death. Clinically, SCA3 pathology is characterized by progressive ataxia leading to motor incoordination that may affect balance, gait and speech, and neuropathologically by a progressive degeneration of the spinal cord and cerebellum, as well as the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. Although SCA3 is a rare disease, it is the most common autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxia worldwide. Its geographical distribution varies worldwide, with peak prevalence in certain regions of Brazil, Portugal and China. In 1994, the identification of the polyglutamine expansion in the ATXN3 gene made it possible not only to diagnose this pathology but also to dissect the mechanisms leading to cellular degeneration. As a monogenic disease for which only symptomatic treatment is available, the ATXN3 gene represents an attractive therapeutic target for gene editing strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Déglon
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DNC), Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Pavillon 3, Avenue de Beaumont, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies (LCMN), Neuroscience Research Center (CRN), Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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11
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Tong H, Yang T, Xu S, Li X, Liu L, Zhou G, Yang S, Yin S, Li XJ, Li S. Huntington's Disease: Complex Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3845. [PMID: 38612657 PMCID: PMC11011923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) arises from the abnormal expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT), resulting in the production of the mutant huntingtin protein (mHTT) with a polyglutamine stretch in its N-terminus. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying HD are complex and not yet fully elucidated. However, mHTT forms aggregates and accumulates abnormally in neuronal nuclei and processes, leading to disruptions in multiple cellular functions. Although there is currently no effective curative treatment for HD, significant progress has been made in developing various therapeutic strategies to treat HD. In addition to drugs targeting the neuronal toxicity of mHTT, gene therapy approaches that aim to reduce the expression of the mutant HTT gene hold great promise for effective HD therapy. This review provides an overview of current HD treatments, discusses different therapeutic strategies, and aims to facilitate future therapeutic advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.T.); (T.Y.); (S.X.); (X.L.); (L.L.); (G.Z.); (S.Y.); (S.Y.)
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12
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Waldo JJ, Halmai JANM, Fink KD. Epigenetic editing for autosomal dominant neurological disorders. Front Genome Ed 2024; 6:1304110. [PMID: 38510848 PMCID: PMC10950933 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1304110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics refers to the molecules and mechanisms that modify gene expression states without changing the nucleotide context. These modifications are what encode the cell state during differentiation or epigenetic memory in mitosis. Epigenetic modifications can alter gene expression by changing the chromatin architecture by altering the affinity for DNA to wrap around histone octamers, forming nucleosomes. The higher affinity the DNA has for the histones, the tighter it will wrap and therefore induce a heterochromatin state, silencing gene expression. Several groups have shown the ability to harness the cell's natural epigenetic modification pathways to engineer proteins that can induce changes in epigenetics and consequently regulate gene expression. Therefore, epigenetic modification can be used to target and treat disorders through the modification of endogenous gene expression. The use of epigenetic modifications may prove an effective path towards regulating gene expression to potentially correct or cure genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kyle D. Fink
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, United States
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13
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Cappelluti MA, Mollica Poeta V, Valsoni S, Quarato P, Merlin S, Merelli I, Lombardo A. Durable and efficient gene silencing in vivo by hit-and-run epigenome editing. Nature 2024; 627:416-423. [PMID: 38418872 PMCID: PMC10937395 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07087-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Permanent epigenetic silencing using programmable editors equipped with transcriptional repressors holds great promise for the treatment of human diseases1-3. However, to unlock its full therapeutic potential, an experimental confirmation of durable epigenetic silencing after the delivery of transient delivery of editors in vivo is needed. To this end, here we targeted Pcsk9, a gene expressed in hepatocytes that is involved in cholesterol homeostasis. In vitro screening of different editor designs indicated that zinc-finger proteins were the best-performing DNA-binding platform for efficient silencing of mouse Pcsk9. A single administration of lipid nanoparticles loaded with the editors' mRNAs almost halved the circulating levels of PCSK9 for nearly one year in mice. Notably, Pcsk9 silencing and accompanying epigenetic repressive marks also persisted after forced liver regeneration, further corroborating the heritability of the newly installed epigenetic state. Improvements in construct design resulted in the development of an all-in-one configuration that we term evolved engineered transcriptional repressor (EvoETR). This design, which is characterized by a high specificity profile, further reduced the circulating levels of PCSK9 in mice with an efficiency comparable with that obtained through conventional gene editing, but without causing DNA breaks. Our study lays the foundation for the development of in vivo therapeutics that are based on epigenetic silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Mollica Poeta
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Valsoni
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Piergiuseppe Quarato
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Merlin
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Ivan Merelli
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Institute for Biomedical Technologies, National Research Council, Segrate, Italy
| | - Angelo Lombardo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
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14
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Fauser F, Kadam BN, Arangundy-Franklin S, Davis JE, Vaidya V, Schmidt NJ, Lew G, Xia DF, Mureli R, Ng C, Zhou Y, Scarlott NA, Eshleman J, Bendaña YR, Shivak DA, Reik A, Li P, Davis GD, Miller JC. Compact zinc finger architecture utilizing toxin-derived cytidine deaminases for highly efficient base editing in human cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1181. [PMID: 38360922 PMCID: PMC10869815 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45100-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleobase editors represent an emerging technology that enables precise single-base edits to the genomes of eukaryotic cells. Most nucleobase editors use deaminase domains that act upon single-stranded DNA and require RNA-guided proteins such as Cas9 to unwind the DNA prior to editing. However, the most recent class of base editors utilizes a deaminase domain, DddAtox, that can act upon double-stranded DNA. Here, we target DddAtox fragments and a FokI-based nickase to the human CIITA gene by fusing these domains to arrays of engineered zinc fingers (ZFs). We also identify a broad variety of Toxin-Derived Deaminases (TDDs) orthologous to DddAtox that allow us to fine-tune properties such as targeting density and specificity. TDD-derived ZF base editors enable up to 73% base editing in T cells with good cell viability and favorable specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Garrett Lew
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Brisbane, CA, USA
| | - Danny F Xia
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Brisbane, CA, USA
| | | | - Colman Ng
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Brisbane, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patrick Li
- Sangamo Therapeutics, Inc., Brisbane, CA, USA
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15
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Bondulich MK, Phillips J, Cañibano-Pico M, Nita IM, Byrne LM, Wild EJ, Bates GP. Translatable plasma and CSF biomarkers for use in mouse models of Huntington's disease. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae030. [PMID: 38370446 PMCID: PMC10873584 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder for which a wide range of disease-modifying therapies are in development and the availability of biomarkers to monitor treatment response is essential for the success of clinical trials. Baseline levels of neurofilament light chain in CSF and plasma have been shown to be effective in predicting clinical disease status, subsequent clinical progression and brain atrophy. The identification of further sensitive prognostic fluid biomarkers is an active research area, and total-Tau and YKL-40 levels have been shown to be increased in CSF from Huntington's disease mutation carriers. The use of readouts with clinical utility in the preclinical assessment of potential therapeutics should aid in the translation of new treatments. Here, we set out to determine how the concentrations of these three proteins change in plasma and CSF with disease progression in representative, well-established mouse models of Huntington's disease. Plasma and CSF were collected throughout disease progression from R6/2 transgenic mice with CAG repeats of 200 or 90 codons (R6/2:Q200 and R6/2:Q90), zQ175 knock-in mice and YAC128 transgenic mice, along with their respective wild-type littermates. Neurofilament light chain and total-Tau concentrations were quantified in CSF and plasma using ultrasensitive single-molecule array (Quanterix) assays, and a novel Quanterix assay was developed for breast regression protein 39 (mouse homologue of YKL-40) and used to quantify breast regression protein 39 levels in plasma. CSF levels of neurofilament light chain and plasma levels of neurofilament light chain and breast regression protein 39 increased in wild-type biofluids with age, whereas total-Tau remained constant. Neurofilament light chain and breast regression protein 39 were elevated in the plasma and CSF from Huntington's disease mouse models, as compared with wild-type littermates, at presymptomatic stages, whereas total-Tau was only increased at the latest disease stages analysed. Levels of biomarkers that had been measured in the same CSF or plasma samples taken at the latest stages of disease were correlated. The demonstration that breast regression protein 39 constitutes a robust plasma biomarker in Huntington's disease mouse models supports the further investigation of YKL-40 as a CSF biomarker for Huntington's disease mutation carriers. Neurofilament light chain and Tau are considered markers of neuronal damage, and breast regression protein 39 is a marker of inflammation; the similarities and differences in the levels of these proteins between mouse models may provide future insights into their underlying pathology. These data will facilitate the use of fluid biomarkers in the preclinical assessment of therapeutic agents for Huntington's disease, providing readouts with direct relevance to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie K Bondulich
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jemima Phillips
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - María Cañibano-Pico
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Iulia M Nita
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Lauren M Byrne
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Edward J Wild
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Gillian P Bates
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UCL, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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16
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Hu C, Yan Y, Jin Y, Yang J, Xi Y, Zhong Z. Decoding the Cellular Trafficking of Prion-like Proteins in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:241-254. [PMID: 37755677 PMCID: PMC10838874 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01115-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The accumulation and spread of prion-like proteins is a key feature of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. In a process known as 'seeding', prion-like proteins such as amyloid beta, microtubule-associated protein tau, α-synuclein, silence superoxide dismutase 1, or transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 kDa, propagate their misfolded conformations by transforming their respective soluble monomers into fibrils. Cellular and molecular evidence of prion-like propagation in NDs, the clinical relevance of their 'seeding' capacities, and their levels of contribution towards disease progression have been intensively studied over recent years. This review unpacks the cyclic prion-like propagation in cells including factors of aggregate internalization, endo-lysosomal leaking, aggregate degradation, and secretion. Debates on the importance of the role of prion-like protein aggregates in NDs, whether causal or consequent, are also discussed. Applications lead to a greater understanding of ND pathogenesis and increased potential for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjun Hu
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yiqun Yan
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yanhong Jin
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Physiology and Department of Cardiology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yongmei Xi
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Zhen Zhong
- Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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17
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Franklin GL, Teive HAG, Tensini FS, Camargo CHF, de Lima NDSC, de Dos Santos DDC, Meira AT, Tabrizi SJ. The Huntington's Disease Gene Discovery. Mov Disord 2024; 39:227-234. [PMID: 38179605 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The gene for Huntington's disease (HD) was discovered in 1993, after an international collaborative initiative that led researchers to remote regions of South America. It was the most remarkable milestone, since George Huntington's initial description. Through the phenomenological discussions led by Jean-Martin Charcot and Willian Osler, and finally Americo Negrette's reports, which served as the inspiration for the Venezuela Project led by Nancy Wexler, the journey toward discovering the Huntington's disease (HD) gene was marked by substantial efforts. This monumental achievement involved the analysis of more than 18,000 blood samples and gathered dozens of researchers in an integrated effort, enabling the mapping of the gene on chromosome 4 in 1983 and leading, a decade later, to the precise localization and identification of the HTT gene. The discovery of the HD mutation represented a pivotal moment in the field of genetics and neurology, significantly enhancing our understanding of the disease and creating opportunities for future treatments. The progress made and the knowledge gained during this journey catalyzed the development of many innovative molecular techniques that have advanced research in other medical conditions. In this article, the authors celebrate three decades of this memorable event, revisiting the historical aspects, providing insights into the techniques developed, and delving into the paths that ultimately led to the discovery of the HD gene. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo L Franklin
- Internal Medicine Department, Pontifical University Catholic of Parana, Medical School, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Hélio A G Teive
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, HC, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Fernando Spina Tensini
- Movement Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, HC, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alex T Meira
- Internal Medicine Department, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Brazil
| | - Sarah J Tabrizi
- UCL Huntington's Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London, London, UK
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18
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Fan J, Zhang Z, Chen H, Chen D, Yuan W, Li J, Zeng Y, Zhou S, Zhang S, Zhang G, Xiong J, Zhou L, Xu J, Liu W, Xu Y. Zinc finger protein 831 promotes apoptosis and enhances chemosensitivity in breast cancer by acting as a novel transcriptional repressor targeting the STAT3/Bcl2 signaling pathway. Genes Dis 2024; 11:430-448. [PMID: 37588209 PMCID: PMC10425751 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggested that zinc finger protein 831 (ZNF831) was associated with immune activity and stem cell regulation in breast cancer. Whereas, the roles and molecular mechanisms of ZNF831 in oncogenesis remain unclear. ZNF831 expression was significantly diminished in breast cancer which was associated with promoter CpG methylation but not mutation. Ectopic over-expression of ZNF831 suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation and colony formation and promoted apoptosis in vitro, while knockdown of ZNF831 resulted in an opposite phenotype. Anti-proliferation effect of ZNF831 was verified in vivo. Bioinformatic analysis of public databases and transcriptome sequencing both showed that ZNF831 could enhance apoptosis through transcriptional regulation of the JAK/STAT pathway. ChIP and luciferase report assays demonstrated that ZNF831 could directly bind to one specific region of STAT3 promoter and induce the transcriptional inhibition of STAT3. As a result, the attenuation of STAT3 led to a restraint of the transcription of Bcl2 and thus accelerated the apoptotic progression. Augmentation of STAT3 diminished the apoptosis-promoting effect of ZNF831 in breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, ZNF831 could ameliorate the anti-proliferation effect of capecitabine and gemcitabine in breast cancer cell lines. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that ZNF831 is a novel transcriptional suppressor through inhibiting the expression of STAT3/Bcl2 and promoting the apoptosis process in breast cancer, suggesting ZNF831 as a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Fan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Hongqiang Chen
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Dongjiao Chen
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Wenbo Yuan
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Jingzhi Li
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shimeng Zhou
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Jiashen Xiong
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Institute of Toxicology, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
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19
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Rots MG, Jeltsch A. Development of Locus-Directed Editing of the Epigenome from Basic Mechanistic Engineering to First Clinical Applications. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:3-20. [PMID: 39012588 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The introduction of CRISPR/Cas systems has resulted in a strong impulse for the field of gene-targeted epigenome/epigenetic reprogramming (EpiEditing), where EpiEditors consisting of a DNA binding part for targeting and an enzymatic part for rewriting of chromatin modifications are applied in cells to alter chromatin modifications at targeted genome loci in a directed manner. Pioneering studies preceding this era indicated causal relationships of chromatin marks instructing gene expression. The accumulating evidence of chromatin reprogramming of a given genomic locus resulting in gene expression changes opened the field for mainstream applications of this technology in basic and clinical research. The growing knowledge on chromatin biology and application of EpiEditing tools, however, also revealed a lack of predictability of the efficiency of EpiEditing in some cases. In this perspective, the dependence of critical parameters such as specificity, effectivity, and sustainability of EpiEditing on experimental settings and conditions including the expression levels and expression times of the EpiEditors, their chromatin binding affinity and specificity, and the crosstalk between EpiEditors and cellular epigenome modifiers are discussed. These considerations highlight the intimate connection between the outcome of epigenome reprogramming and the details of the technical approaches toward EpiEditing, which are the main topic of this volume of Methods in Molecular Biology. Once established in a fully functional "plug-and-play" mode, EpiEditing will allow to better understand gene expression control and to translate such knowledge into therapeutic tools. These expectations are beginning to be met as shown by various in vivo EpiEditing applications published in recent years, several companies aiming to exploit the therapeutic power of EpiEditing and the first clinical trial initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne G Rots
- Department Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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20
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Hamilton PJ, Lim CJ, Nestler EJ, Heller EA. Neuroepigenetic Editing. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:129-152. [PMID: 39012593 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation is intrinsic to basic neurobiological function as well as neurological disease. Regulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes in the brain is critical during both development and adulthood and in response to external stimuli. Biochemical studies are complemented by numerous next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies that quantify global changes in gene expression, chromatin accessibility, histone and DNA modifications in neurons and glial cells. Neuroepigenetic editing tools are essential to distinguish between the mere presence and functional relevance of histone and DNA modifications to gene transcription in the brain and animal behavior. This review discusses current advances in neuroepigenetic editing, highlighting methodological considerations pertinent to neuroscience, such as delivery methods and the spatiotemporal specificity of editing and it demonstrates the enormous potential of epigenetic editing for basic neurobiological research and therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hamilton
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Carissa J Lim
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Heller
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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21
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Louessard M, Cailleret M, Jarrige M, Bigarreau J, Lenoir S, Dufour N, Rey M, Saudou F, Deglon N, Perrier AL. Mono- and Biallelic Inactivation of Huntingtin Gene in Patient-Specific Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Reveal HTT Roles in Striatal Development and Neuronal Functions. J Huntingtons Dis 2024; 13:41-53. [PMID: 38427495 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-231509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Background Mutations in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene cause Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disorder. As a scaffold protein, HTT is involved in numerous cellular functions, but its normal and pathogenic functions during human forebrain development are poorly understood. Objective To investigate the developmental component of HD, with a specific emphasis on understanding the functions of wild-type and mutant HTT alleles during forebrain neuron development in individuals carrying HD mutations. Methods We used CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology to disrupt the ATG region of the HTT gene via non-homologous end joining to produce mono- or biallelic HTT knock-out human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) clones. Results We showed that the loss of wild-type, mutant, or both HTT isoforms does not affect the pluripotency of iPSCs or their transition into neural cells. However, we observed that HTT loss causes division impairments in forebrain neuro-epithelial cells and alters maturation of striatal projection neurons (SPNs) particularly in the acquisition of DARPP32 expression, a key functional marker of SPNs. Finally, young post-mitotic neurons derived from HTT-/- human iPSCs display cellular dysfunctions observed in adult HD neurons. Conclusions We described a novel collection of isogenic clones with mono- and biallelic HTT inactivation that complement existing HD-hiPSC isogenic series to explore HTT functions and test therapeutic strategies in particular HTT-lowering drugs. Characterizing neural and neuronal derivatives from human iPSCs of this collection, we show evidence that HTT loss or mutation has impacts on neuro-epithelial and striatal neurons maturation, and on basal DNA damage and BDNF axonal transport in post-mitotic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Louessard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: Mécanismes, Thérapies, Imagerie, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Univ Evry, Institut des Cellules Souches pour le Traitement et l'étude des Maladies Monogéniques, Corbeil-Essonne, France
| | - Michel Cailleret
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Univ Evry, Institut des Cellules Souches pour le Traitement et l'étude des Maladies Monogéniques, Corbeil-Essonne, France
| | - Margot Jarrige
- CECS/AFM, Institut des Cellules Souches pour le Traitement et l'étude des Maladies Monogéniques, Corbeil-Essonne, France
| | - Julie Bigarreau
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Univ Evry, Institut des Cellules Souches pour le Traitement et l'étude des Maladies Monogéniques, Corbeil-Essonne, France
| | - Sophie Lenoir
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neuroscience, GIN, Grenoble, France
| | - Noëlle Dufour
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: Mécanismes, Thérapies, Imagerie, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Maria Rey
- Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DNC), and Neuroscience Research Center (CRN), Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Saudou
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut Neuroscience, GIN, Grenoble, France
| | - Nicole Deglon
- Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne (UNIL), Department of Clinical Neurosciences (DNC), and Neuroscience Research Center (CRN), Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurotherapies, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anselme L Perrier
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, Molecular Imaging Research Center, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives: Mécanismes, Thérapies, Imagerie, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Univ Evry, Institut des Cellules Souches pour le Traitement et l'étude des Maladies Monogéniques, Corbeil-Essonne, France
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22
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Rajaram N, Bashtrykov P, Jeltsch A. Protocol for Allele-Specific Epigenome Editing Using CRISPR/dCas9. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2842:179-192. [PMID: 39012596 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4051-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The discovery and adaptation of CRISPR/Cas systema for epigenome editing has allowed for a straightforward design of targeting modules that can direct epigenome editors to virtually any genomic site. This advancement in DNA-targeting technology brings allele-specific epigenome editing into reach, a "super-specific" variation of epigenome editing whose goal is an alteration of chromatin marks at only one selected allele of the genomic target locus. This technology could be useful for the treatment of diseases caused by a mutant allele with a dominant effect, because allele-specific epigenome editing allows the specific silencing of the mutated allele leaving the healthy counterpart expressed. Moreover, it may allow the direct correction of aberrant imprints in imprinting disorders where editing of DNA methylation is required exclusively in a single allele. Here, we describe a basic protocol for the design and application of allele-specific epigenome editing systems using allele-specific DNA methylation at the NARF gene in HEK293 cells as an example. An sgRNA/dCas9 unit is used for allele-specific binding to the target locus containing a SNP in the seed region of the sgRNA or the PAM region. The dCas9 protein is connected to a SunTag allowing to recruit up to 10 DNMT3A/3L units fused to a single-chain Fv fragment, which specifically binds to the SunTag peptide sequence. The plasmids expressing dCas9-10x SunTag, scFv-DNMT3A/3L, and sgRNA, each of them co-expressing a fluorophore, are introduced into cells by co-transfection. Cells containing all three plasmids are enriched by FACS, cultivated, and later the genomic DNA and RNA can be retrieved for DNA methylation and gene expression analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivethika Rajaram
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany.
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23
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Voelkl K, Gutiérrez-Ángel S, Keeling S, Koyuncu S, da Silva Padilha M, Feigenbutz D, Arzberger T, Vilchez D, Klein R, Dudanova I. Neuroprotective effects of hepatoma-derived growth factor in models of Huntington's disease. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302018. [PMID: 37580082 PMCID: PMC10427761 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a movement disorder caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin gene that leads to severe neurodegeneration. Molecular mechanisms of HD are not sufficiently understood, and no cure is currently available. Here, we demonstrate neuroprotective effects of hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) in cellular and mouse HD models. We show that HD-vulnerable neurons in the striatum and cortex express lower levels of HDGF than resistant ones. Moreover, lack of endogenous HDGF exacerbated motor impairments and reduced the life span of R6/2 Huntington's disease mice. AAV-mediated delivery of HDGF into the brain reduced mutant Huntingtin inclusion load, but had no significant effect on motor behavior or life span. Interestingly, both nuclear and cytoplasmic versions of HDGF were efficient in rescuing mutant Huntingtin toxicity in cellular HD models. Moreover, extracellular application of recombinant HDGF improved viability of mutant Huntingtin-expressing primary neurons and reduced mutant Huntingtin aggregation in neural progenitor cells differentiated from human patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells. Our findings provide new insights into the pathomechanisms of HD and demonstrate neuroprotective potential of HDGF in neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Voelkl
- Department of Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sara Gutiérrez-Ángel
- Department of Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sophie Keeling
- Department of Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Seda Koyuncu
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Miguel da Silva Padilha
- Department of Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
- Center for Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Dennis Feigenbutz
- Department of Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Thomas Arzberger
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Munich, Germany
- Center for Neuropathology and Prion Research, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - David Vilchez
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Integrated Stress Response Signaling, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Klein
- Department of Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Irina Dudanova
- Department of Molecules - Signaling - Development, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, Martinsried, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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24
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Rajaram N, Kouroukli AG, Bens S, Bashtrykov P, Jeltsch A. Development of super-specific epigenome editing by targeted allele-specific DNA methylation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:41. [PMID: 37864244 PMCID: PMC10589950 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenome editing refers to the targeted reprogramming of genomic loci using an EpiEditor which may consist of an sgRNA/dCas9 complex that recruits DNMT3A/3L to the target locus. Methylation of the locus can lead to a modulation of gene expression. Allele-specific DNA methylation (ASM) refers to the targeted methylation delivery only to one allele of a locus. In the context of diseases caused by a dominant mutation, the selective DNA methylation of the mutant allele could be used to repress its expression but retain the functionality of the normal gene. RESULTS To set up allele-specific targeted DNA methylation, target regions were selected from hypomethylated CGIs bearing a heterozygous SNP in their promoters in the HEK293 cell line. We aimed at delivering maximum DNA methylation with highest allelic specificity in the targeted regions. Placing SNPs in the PAM or seed regions of the sgRNA, we designed 24 different sgRNAs targeting single alleles in 14 different gene loci. We achieved efficient ASM in multiple cases, such as ISG15, MSH6, GPD1L, MRPL52, PDE8A, NARF, DAP3, and GSPT1, which in best cases led to five to tenfold stronger average DNA methylation at the on-target allele and absolute differences in the DNA methylation gain at on- and off-target alleles of > 50%. In general, loci with the allele discriminatory SNP positioned in the PAM region showed higher success rate of ASM and better specificity. Highest DNA methylation was observed on day 3 after transfection followed by a gradual decline. In selected cases, ASM was stable up to 11 days in HEK293 cells and it led up to a 3.6-fold change in allelic expression ratios. CONCLUSIONS We successfully delivered ASM at multiple genomic loci with high specificity, efficiency and stability. This form of super-specific epigenome editing could find applications in the treatment of diseases caused by dominant mutations, because it allows silencing of the mutant allele without repression of the expression of the normal allele thereby minimizing potential side-effects of the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivethika Rajaram
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Alexandra G Kouroukli
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne Bens
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Ulm and Ulm University Medical Center, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Pavel Bashtrykov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Albert Jeltsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Technical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, University of Stuttgart, Allmandring 31, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany.
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25
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Shing K, Sapp E, Boudi A, Liu S, Seeley C, Marchionini D, DiFiglia M, Kegel-Gleason KB. Early whole-body mutant huntingtin lowering averts changes in proteins and lipids important for synapse function and white matter maintenance in the LacQ140 mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 187:106313. [PMID: 37777020 PMCID: PMC10731584 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Expansion of a triplet repeat tract in exon 1 of the HTT gene causes Huntington's disease (HD). The mutant HTT protein (mHTT) has numerous aberrant interactions with diverse, pleiomorphic effects. Lowering mHTT is a promising approach to treat HD, but it is unclear when lowering should be initiated, how much is necessary, and what duration should occur to achieve benefits. Furthermore, the effects of mHTT lowering on brain lipids have not been assessed. Using a mHtt-inducible mouse model, we analyzed mHtt lowering initiated at different ages and sustained for different time-periods. mHTT protein in cytoplasmic and synaptic compartments of the striatum was reduced 38-52%; however, there was minimal lowering of mHTT in nuclear and perinuclear regions where aggregates formed at 12 months of age. Total striatal lipids were reduced in 9-month-old LacQ140 mice and preserved by mHtt lowering. Subclasses important for white matter structure and function including ceramide (Cer), sphingomyelin (SM), and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), contributed to the reduction in total lipids. Phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), and bismethyl phosphatidic acid (BisMePA) were also changed in LacQ140 mice. Levels of all subclasses except ceramide were preserved by mHtt lowering. mRNA expression profiling indicated that a transcriptional mechanism contributes to changes in myelin lipids, and some but not all changes can be prevented by mHtt lowering. Our findings suggest that early and sustained reduction in mHtt can prevent changes in levels of select striatal proteins and most lipids, but a misfolded, degradation-resistant form of mHTT hampers some benefits in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Shing
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Adel Boudi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Sophia Liu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Connor Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | | | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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26
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Li L, Vasan L, Kartono B, Clifford K, Attarpour A, Sharma R, Mandrozos M, Kim A, Zhao W, Belotserkovsky A, Verkuyl C, Schmitt-Ulms G. Advances in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2725. [PMID: 37893099 PMCID: PMC10603849 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are gene therapy delivery tools that offer a promising platform for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Keeping up with developments in this fast-moving area of research is a challenge. This review was thus written with the intention to introduce this field of study to those who are new to it and direct others who are struggling to stay abreast of the literature towards notable recent studies. In ten sections, we briefly highlight early milestones within this field and its first clinical success stories. We showcase current clinical trials, which focus on gene replacement, gene augmentation, or gene suppression strategies. Next, we discuss ongoing efforts to improve the tropism of rAAV vectors for brain applications and introduce pre-clinical research directed toward harnessing rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Subsequently, we present common genetic elements coded by the single-stranded DNA of rAAV vectors, their so-called payloads. Our focus is on recent advances that are bound to increase treatment efficacies. As needed, we included studies outside the neurodegenerative disease field that showcased improved pre-clinical designs of all-in-one rAAV vectors for gene editing applications. Finally, we discuss risks associated with off-target effects and inadvertent immunogenicity that these technologies harbor as well as the mitigation strategies available to date to make their application safer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyao Li
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
| | - Lakshmy Vasan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Bryan Kartono
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kevan Clifford
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Ahmadreza Attarpour
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 101 College St., Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Raghav Sharma
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Matthew Mandrozos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ain Kim
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wenda Zhao
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ari Belotserkovsky
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Claire Verkuyl
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gerold Schmitt-Ulms
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Krembil Discovery Centre, 6th Floor, 60 Leonard Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 6th Floor, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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27
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Liu L, Malagu K, Haughan AF, Khetarpal V, Stott AJ, Esmieu W, Vater HD, Webster SJ, Van de Poël AJ, Clissold C, Cosgrove B, Sutton B, Spencer JA, Breccia P, Gancia E, Bonomo S, Ladduwahetty T, Lazari O, Patel H, Atton HC, Clifton S, Mota DM, Magnani D, O'Neill A, Stebbeds M, Macabuag N, Todd D, Herva ME, Mitchell P, Visser M, Compte Sancerni S, Grand Moursel L, da Silva M, Kritikou E, Heikkinen TT, Bolkvadze T, Fodale V, Spadafora D, Daldin M, Bresciani A, Mangette JE, Doherty EM, Lee MR, Herbst T, Monteagudo E, Macdonald D, Plotnikov NV, Chambers M, McAllister G, Muňoz-Sanjuan I, Dominguez C. Identification and Optimization of RNA-Splicing Modulators as Huntingtin Protein-Lowering Agents for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13205-13246. [PMID: 37712656 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by an expanded CAG trinucleotide repeat in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. We report the design of a series of HTT pre-mRNA splicing modulators that lower huntingtin (HTT) protein, including the toxic mutant huntingtin (mHTT), by promoting insertion of a pseudoexon containing a premature termination codon at the exon 49-50 junction. The resulting transcript undergoes nonsense-mediated decay, leading to a reduction of HTT mRNA transcripts and protein levels. The starting benzamide core was modified to pyrazine amide and further optimized to give a potent, CNS-penetrant, and orally bioavailable HTT-splicing modulator 27. This compound reduced canonical splicing of the HTT RNA exon 49-50 and demonstrated significant HTT-lowering in both human HD stem cells and mouse BACHD models. Compound 27 is a structurally diverse HTT-splicing modulator that may help understand the mechanism of adverse effects such as peripheral neuropathy associated with branaplam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longbin Liu
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Karine Malagu
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Alan F Haughan
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Vinod Khetarpal
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Andrew J Stott
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - William Esmieu
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Huw D Vater
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Stephen J Webster
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Amanda J Van de Poël
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Cole Clissold
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Brett Cosgrove
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Benjamin Sutton
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Jonathan A Spencer
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Perla Breccia
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Emanuela Gancia
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Silvia Bonomo
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Tammy Ladduwahetty
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Ovadia Lazari
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Hiral Patel
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Helen C Atton
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Steve Clifton
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Daniel M Mota
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Dario Magnani
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Amy O'Neill
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Marta Stebbeds
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Natsuko Macabuag
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Daniel Todd
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Maria E Herva
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Philip Mitchell
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - Mijke Visser
- Charles River, Darwinweg 24, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Marta da Silva
- Charles River, Darwinweg 24, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Kritikou
- Charles River, Darwinweg 24, 2333 CR Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elizabeth M Doherty
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Matthew R Lee
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Todd Herbst
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Edith Monteagudo
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Douglas Macdonald
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Nikolay V Plotnikov
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Mark Chambers
- Discovery from Charles River, Charles River, Chesterford Research Park, Saffron Walden CB10 1XL, U.K
| | - George McAllister
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Ignacio Muňoz-Sanjuan
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
| | - Celia Dominguez
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045, United States
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28
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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29
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Jiang A, Handley RR, Lehnert K, Snell RG. From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics: A Review of 150 Years of Huntington's Disease Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13021. [PMID: 37629202 PMCID: PMC10455900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine-coding (CAG) trinucleotide repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. HD behaves as a highly penetrant dominant disorder likely acting through a toxic gain of function by the mutant huntingtin protein. Widespread cellular degeneration of the medium spiny neurons of the caudate nucleus and putamen are responsible for the onset of symptomology that encompasses motor, cognitive, and behavioural abnormalities. Over the past 150 years of HD research since George Huntington published his description, a plethora of pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed with key themes including excitotoxicity, dopaminergic imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic defects, disruption of proteostasis, transcriptional dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. Despite the identification and characterisation of the causative gene and mutation and significant advances in our understanding of the cellular pathology in recent years, a disease-modifying intervention has not yet been clinically approved. This review includes an overview of Huntington's disease, from its genetic aetiology to clinical presentation and its pathogenic manifestation. An updated view of molecular mechanisms and the latest therapeutic developments will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Jiang
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (R.R.H.); (K.L.); (R.G.S.)
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Birolini G, Valenza M, Ottonelli I, Talpo F, Minoli L, Cappelleri A, Bombaci M, Caccia C, Canevari C, Trucco A, Leoni V, Passoni A, Favagrossa M, Nucera MR, Colombo L, Paltrinieri S, Bagnati R, Duskey JT, Caraffi R, Vandelli MA, Taroni F, Salmona M, Scanziani E, Biella G, Ruozi B, Tosi G, Cattaneo E. Chronic cholesterol administration to the brain supports complete and long-lasting cognitive and motor amelioration in Huntington's disease. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106823. [PMID: 37336430 PMCID: PMC10463277 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Evidence that Huntington's disease (HD) is characterized by impaired cholesterol biosynthesis in the brain has led to strategies to increase its level in the brain of the rapidly progressing R6/2 mouse model, with a positive therapeutic outcome. Here we tested the long-term efficacy of chronic administration of cholesterol to the brain of the slowly progressing zQ175DN knock-in HD mice in preventing ("early treatment") or reversing ("late treatment") HD symptoms. To do this we used the most advanced formulation of cholesterol loaded brain-permeable nanoparticles (NPs), termed hybrid-g7-NPs-chol, which were injected intraperitoneally. We show that one cycle of treatment with hybrid-g7-NPs-chol, administered in the presymptomatic ("early treatment") or symptomatic ("late treatment") stages is sufficient to normalize cognitive defects up to 5 months, as well as to improve other behavioral and neuropathological parameters. A multiple cycle treatment combining both early and late treatments ("2 cycle treatment") lasting 6 months generates therapeutic effects for more than 11 months, without severe adverse reactions. Sustained cholesterol delivery to the brain of zQ175DN mice also reduces mutant Huntingtin aggregates in both the striatum and cortex and completely normalizes synaptic communication in the striatal medium spiny neurons compared to saline-treated HD mice. Furthermore, through a meta-analysis of published and current data, we demonstrated the power of hybrid-g7-NPs-chol and other strategies able to increase brain cholesterol biosynthesis, to reverse cognitive decline and counteract the formation of mutant Huntingtin aggregates. These results demonstrate that cholesterol delivery via brain-permeable NPs is a therapeutic option to sustainably reverse HD-related behavioral decline and neuropathological signs over time, highlighting the therapeutic potential of cholesterol-based strategies in HD patients. DATA AVAILABILITY: This study does not include data deposited in public repositories. Data are available on request to the corresponding authors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Birolini
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Valenza
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Ottonelli
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I. Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Talpo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucia Minoli
- Pathology Department, Evotec, 37135 Verona, Italy; Mouse & Animal Pathology Lab (MAPLab), Fondazione UniMi, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Cappelleri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; Mouse & Animal Pathology Lab (MAPLab), Fondazione UniMi, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Bombaci
- Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Caccia
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics. Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Canevari
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Arianna Trucco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Valerio Leoni
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry, Hospital Pio XI of Desio, ASST-Brianza and Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Alice Passoni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Favagrossa
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Nucera
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Colombo
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Saverio Paltrinieri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Renzo Bagnati
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Jason Thomas Duskey
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I. Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Caraffi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I. Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Angela Vandelli
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I. Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Franco Taroni
- Unit of Medical Genetics and Neurogenetics. Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Salmona
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milan, Italy
| | - Eugenio Scanziani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria e Scienze Animali, Università degli Studi di Milano, 26900 Lodi, Italy; Mouse & Animal Pathology Lab (MAPLab), Fondazione UniMi, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Gerardo Biella
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Ruozi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I. Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tosi
- Nanotech Lab, Te.Far.T.I. Center, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy; Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20122 Milan, Italy.
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Schellino R, Besusso D, Parolisi R, Gómez-González GB, Dallere S, Scaramuzza L, Ribodino M, Campus I, Conforti P, Parmar M, Boido M, Cattaneo E, Buffo A. hESC-derived striatal progenitors grafted into a Huntington's disease rat model support long-term functional motor recovery by differentiating, self-organizing and connecting into the lesioned striatum. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:189. [PMID: 37507794 PMCID: PMC10386300 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03422-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease (HD) is a motor and cognitive neurodegenerative disorder due to prominent loss of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Cell replacement using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) derivatives may offer new therapeutic opportunities to replace degenerated neurons and repair damaged circuits. METHODS With the aim to develop effective cell replacement for HD, we assessed the long-term therapeutic value of hESC-derived striatal progenitors by grafting the cells into the striatum of a preclinical model of HD [i.e., adult immunodeficient rats in which the striatum was lesioned by monolateral injection of quinolinic acid (QA)]. We examined the survival, maturation, self-organization and integration of the graft as well as its impact on lesion-dependent motor alterations up to 6 months post-graft. Moreover, we tested whether exposing a cohort of QA-lesioned animals to environmental enrichment (EE) could improve graft integration and function. RESULTS Human striatal progenitors survived up to 6 months after transplantation and showed morphological and neurochemical features typical of human MSNs. Donor-derived interneurons were also detected. Grafts wired in both local and long-range striatal circuits, formed domains suggestive of distinct ganglionic eminence territories and displayed emerging striosome features. Moreover, over time grafts improved complex motor performances affected by QA. EE selectively increased cell differentiation into MSN phenotype and promoted host-to-graft connectivity. However, when combined to the graft, the EE paradigm used in this study was insufficient to produce an additive effect on task execution. CONCLUSIONS The data support the long-term therapeutic potential of ESC-derived human striatal progenitor grafts for the replacement of degenerated striatal neurons in HD and suggest that EE can effectively accelerate the maturation and promote the integration of human striatal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Schellino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
| | - Dario Besusso
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Parolisi
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Gabriela B Gómez-González
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Sveva Dallere
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Linda Scaramuzza
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Ribodino
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Campus
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Conforti
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Malin Parmar
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center and Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marina Boido
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Elena Cattaneo
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy.
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
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Shing K, Sapp E, Boudi A, Liu S, Seeley C, Marchionini D, DiFiglia M, Kegel-Gleason KB. Early whole-body mutant huntingtin lowering averts changes in proteins and lipids important for synapse function and white matter maintenance in the LacQ140 mouse model. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.26.525697. [PMID: 36747614 PMCID: PMC9900921 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Expansion of a triplet repeat tract in exon1 of the HTT gene causes Huntington's disease (HD). The mutant HTT protein (mHTT) has numerous aberrant interactions with diverse, pleiomorphic effects. No disease modifying treatments exist but lowering mutant huntingtin (mHTT) by gene therapy is a promising approach to treat Huntington's disease (HD). It is not clear when lowering should be initiated, how much lowering is necessary and for what duration lowering should occur to achieve benefits. Furthermore, the effects of mHTT lowering on brain lipids have not been assessed. Using a mHtt-inducible mouse model we analyzed whole body mHtt lowering initiated at different ages and sustained for different time-periods. Subcellular fractionation (density gradient ultracentrifugation), protein chemistry (gel filtration, western blot, and capillary electrophoresis immunoassay), liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of lipids, and bioinformatic approaches were used to test effects of mHTT transcriptional lowering. mHTT protein in cytoplasmic and synaptic compartments of the caudate putamen, which is most affected in HD, was reduced 38-52%. Little or no lowering of mHTT occurred in nuclear and perinuclear regions where aggregates formed at 12 months of age. mHtt transcript repression partially or fully preserved select striatal proteins (SCN4B, PDE10A). Total lipids in striatum were reduced in LacQ140 mice at 9 months and preserved by early partial mHtt lowering. The reduction in total lipids was due in part to reductions in subclasses of ceramide (Cer), sphingomyelin (SM), and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), which are known to be important for white matter structure and function. Lipid subclasses phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), and bismethyl phosphatidic acid (BisMePA) were also changed in LacQ140 mice. Levels of all subclasses other than ceramide were preserved by early mHtt lowering. Pathway enrichment analysis of RNAseq data imply a transcriptional mechanism is responsible in part for changes in myelin lipids, and some but not all changes can be rescued by mHTT lowering. Our findings suggest that early and sustained reduction in mHtt can prevent changes in levels of select striatal proteins and most lipids but a misfolded, degradation-resistant form of mHTT hampers some benefits in the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Shing
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Adel Boudi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Sophia Liu
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Connor Seeley
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | | | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA 02129
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33
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Duan W, Urani E, Mattson MP. The potential of gene editing for Huntington's disease. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:365-376. [PMID: 36907678 PMCID: PMC10121915 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a trinucleotide repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene resulting in long stretches of polyglutamine repeats in the huntingtin protein. The disease involves progressive degeneration of neurons in the striatum and cerebral cortex resulting in loss of control of motor function, psychiatric problems, and cognitive deficits. There are as yet no treatments that can slow disease progression in HD. Recent advances in gene editing using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) systems and demonstrations of their ability to correct gene mutations in animal models of a range of diseases suggest that gene editing may prove effective in preventing or ameliorating HD. Here we describe (i) potential CRISPR-Cas designs and cellular delivery methods for the correction of mutant genes that cause inherited diseases, and (ii) recent preclinical findings demonstrating the efficacy of such gene-editing approaches in animal models, with a focus on HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhen Duan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Ece Urani
- Program in Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Seo JH, Shin JH, Lee J, Kim D, Hwang HY, Nam BG, Lee J, Kim HH, Cho SR. DNA double-strand break-free CRISPR interference delays Huntington's disease progression in mice. Commun Biol 2023; 6:466. [PMID: 37117485 PMCID: PMC10147674 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04829-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease causes double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the targeted DNA that induces toxicity, whereas CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) using dead Cas9 (dCas9) suppresses the target gene expression without DSBs. Delivery of dCas9-sgRNA targeting CAG repeat region does not damage the targeted DNA in HEK293T cells containing CAG repeats. When this study investigates whether CRISPRi can suppress mutant HTT (mHTT), CRISPRi results in reduced expression of mHTT with relative preservation of the wild-type HTT in human HD fibroblasts. Although both dCas9 and Cas9 treatments reduce mHTT by sgRNA targeting the CAG repeat region, CRISPRi delays behavioral deterioration and protects striatal neurons against cell death in HD mice. Collectively, CRISPRi can delay disease progression by suppressing mHtt, suggesting DNA DSB-free CRISPRi is a potential therapy for HD that can compensate for the shortcoming of CRISPR-Cas9 nuclease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hwa Seo
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hong Shin
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junwon Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute of Vision Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesik Kim
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Yeon Hwang
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bae-Geun Nam
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinu Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyongbum Henry Kim
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Rae Cho
- Department and Research Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Rehabilitation Institute of Neuromuscular Disease, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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35
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O'Geen H, Beitnere U, Garcia MS, Adhikari A, Cameron DL, Fenton TA, Copping NA, Deng P, Lock S, Halmai JANM, Villegas IJ, Liu J, Wang D, Fink KD, Silverman JL, Segal DJ. Transcriptional reprogramming restores UBE3A brain-wide and rescues behavioral phenotypes in an Angelman syndrome mouse model. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1088-1105. [PMID: 36641623 PMCID: PMC10124086 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder caused by the loss of ubiquitin ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene expression in the brain. The UBE3A gene is paternally imprinted in brain neurons. Clinical features of AS are primarily due to the loss of maternally expressed UBE3A in the brain. A healthy copy of paternal UBE3A is present in the brain but is silenced by a long non-coding antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS). Here, we demonstrate that an artificial transcription factor (ATF-S1K) can silence Ube3a-ATS in an adult mouse model of Angelman syndrome (AS) and restore endogenous physiological expression of paternal Ube3a. A single injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing ATF-S1K (AAV-S1K) into the tail vein enabled whole-brain transduction and restored UBE3A protein in neurons to ∼25% of wild-type protein. The ATF-S1K treatment was highly specific to the target site with no detectable inflammatory response 5 weeks after AAV-S1K administration. AAV-S1K treatment of AS mice showed behavioral rescue in exploratory locomotion, a task involving gross and fine motor abilities, similar to low ambulation and velocity in AS patients. The specificity and tolerability of a single injection of AAV-S1K therapy for AS demonstrate the use of ATFs as a promising translational approach for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anna Adhikari
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - David L Cameron
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Timothy A Fenton
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Nycole A Copping
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Peter Deng
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Samantha Lock
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Julian A N M Halmai
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Isaac J Villegas
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jiajian Liu
- Genome Editing and Novel Modalities (GENM), MilliporeSigma, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Danhui Wang
- Genome Editing and Novel Modalities (GENM), MilliporeSigma, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kyle D Fink
- Neurology Department, Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - David J Segal
- Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, CA, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis Health System, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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36
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Levine JA. The Fidget Factor and the obesity paradox. How small movements have big impact. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1122938. [PMID: 37077429 PMCID: PMC10106700 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1122938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothesis is that the Fidget Factor is the innate neurological pulse that propels humans and other species to move to support their health. Fidgets, previously thought to be spontaneous, are neurologically regulated and highly ordered (non-random). Modern societies being chair-based overwhelm Fidget Factor pulses and consequently inflict chair-based living for transportation, labor, and leisure. Despite impulses firing through the nervous system, people sit because environmental design overwhelms the biology. Urbanization and chair-based societies were designed after the industrial revolution to promote productivity; however, the consequence has been opposite. Crushing the natural urge to move—the Fidget Factor—is a public health calamity. Excess sitting is associated with a myriad of detrimental health consequences and impairs productivity. Fidgeting may reduce all-cause mortality associated with excessive sitting. The Fidget Factor offers hope; data demonstrate that workplaces and schools can be designed to promote activity and free people's Fidget Factors. Evidence shows that people are happier, healthier, wealthier, and more successful if their Fidget Factors are freed.
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37
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Bräuer S, Falkenburger B. [Gene Therapy for Huntington Disease]. FORTSCHRITTE DER NEUROLOGIE-PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 91:141-146. [PMID: 37040787 PMCID: PMC10089766 DOI: 10.1055/a-2042-2338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Englisch: Being one of the most common genetic neurodegenerative disease, Huntington's disease has been a model disease - also for gene therapy. Among the various options, the development of antisense oligonucleotides is the most advanced. Further options at the RNA level include micro-RNAs and modulators of RNA processing (splicing), at the DNA level zinc finger proteins. Several products are in clinical trials. These differ in their mode of application and in the extent of systemic availability. Another important difference between therapeutic strategies could be whether all forms of the huntingtin protein are targeted in the same extent, or whether a therapy preferentially targets particular toxic forms such as the exon1 protein. The results of the recently terminated GENERATION HD1 trial were somewhat sobering, most likely due to the side effect-related hydrocephalus. Therefore they represent just one step towards the development of an effective gene therapy against Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Bräuer
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum an der TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Björn Falkenburger
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum an der TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Khakh BS, Goldman SA. Astrocytic contributions to Huntington's disease pathophysiology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1522:42-59. [PMID: 36864567 PMCID: PMC10145027 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, monogenic, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine-encoding CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene that results in mutant huntingtin proteins (mHTT) in cells throughout the body. Although large parts of the central nervous system (CNS) are affected, the striatum is especially vulnerable and undergoes marked atrophy. Astrocytes are abundant within the striatum and contain mHTT in HD, as well as in mouse models of the disease. We focus on striatal astrocytes and summarize how they participate in, and contribute to, molecular pathophysiology and disease-related phenotypes in HD model mice. Where possible, reference is made to pertinent astrocyte alterations in human HD. Astrocytic dysfunctions related to cellular morphology, extracellular ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support all accompany the development and progression of HD, in both transgenic mouse and human cellular and chimeric models of HD. These findings reveal the potential for the therapeutic targeting of astrocytes so as to restore synaptic as well as tissue homeostasis in HD. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to HD pathogenesis may inform a broader understanding of the role of glial pathology in neurodegenerative disorders and, by so doing, enable new strategies of glial-directed therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baljit S. Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Pancani T, Day M, Tkatch T, Wokosin DL, González-Rodríguez P, Kondapalli J, Xie Z, Chen Y, Beaumont V, Surmeier DJ. Cholinergic deficits selectively boost cortical intratelencephalic control of striatum in male Huntington's disease model mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1398. [PMID: 36914640 PMCID: PMC10011605 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG triplet expansion in huntingtin. Although corticostriatal dysfunction has long been implicated in HD, the determinants and pathway specificity of this pathophysiology are not fully understood. Here, using a male zQ175+/- knock-in mouse model of HD we carry out optogenetic interrogation of intratelencephalic and pyramidal tract synapses with principal striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs). These studies reveal that the connectivity of intratelencephalic, but not pyramidal tract, neurons with direct and indirect pathway SPNs increased in early symptomatic zQ175+/- HD mice. This enhancement was attributable to reduced pre-synaptic inhibitory control of intratelencephalic terminals by striatal cholinergic interneurons. Lowering mutant huntingtin selectively in striatal cholinergic interneurons with a virally-delivered zinc finger repressor protein normalized striatal acetylcholine release and intratelencephalic functional connectivity, revealing a node in the network underlying corticostriatal pathophysiology in a HD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristano Pancani
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Michelle Day
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Tatiana Tkatch
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - David L Wokosin
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Patricia González-Rodríguez
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA.,Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jyothisri Kondapalli
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Zhong Xie
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Vahri Beaumont
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, Suite 700, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90045, USA
| | - D James Surmeier
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA.
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40
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Therapeutic targeting of Huntington's disease: Molecular and clinical approaches. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 655:18-24. [PMID: 36913762 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.02.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant ailment that affects a larger population. Due to its complex pathology operating at DNA, RNA, and protein levels, it is regarded as a protein-misfolding disease and an expansion repeat disorder. Despite the availability of early genetic diagnostics, disease-modifying treatments are still missing. Importantly, potential therapies are starting to make their way through clinical trials. Still, clinical trials are ongoing to discover potential drugs to relieve HD symptoms. However, now being aware of the root cause, the clinical studies are focused on molecular therapies to target it. The road to success has not been without bumps since a big phase III trial of tominersen was unexpectedly discontinued due to exceeding risks than drug's benefit to the patients. Although the trial's conclusion was disappointing, there is still cause to be optimistic about what this technique may achieve. We have reviewed the present disease-modifying therapies in clinical development for HD and examined the current landscape of developing clinical therapies. We further investigated the pharmaceutical development of Huntington's medicine in the pharma industries and addressed the existing challenges in their therapeutic success.
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41
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Toward the Development of Epigenome Editing-Based Therapeutics: Potentials and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054778. [PMID: 36902207 PMCID: PMC10003136 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The advancement in epigenetics research over the past several decades has led to the potential application of epigenome-editing technologies for the treatment of various diseases. In particular, epigenome editing is potentially useful in the treatment of genetic and other related diseases, including rare imprinted diseases, as it can regulate the expression of the epigenome of the target region, and thereby the causative gene, with minimal or no modification of the genomic DNA. Various efforts are underway to successfully apply epigenome editing in vivo, such as improving target specificity, enzymatic activity, and drug delivery for the development of reliable therapeutics. In this review, we introduce the latest findings, summarize the current limitations and future challenges in the practical application of epigenome editing for disease therapy, and introduce important factors to consider, such as chromatin plasticity, for a more effective epigenome editing-based therapy.
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Cas9-mediated replacement of expanded CAG repeats in a pig model of Huntington's disease. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:629-646. [PMID: 36797418 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
The monogenic nature of Huntington's disease (HD) and other neurodegenerative diseases caused by the expansion of glutamine-encoding CAG repeats makes them particularly amenable to gene therapy. Here we show the feasibility of replacing expanded CAG repeats in the mutant HTT allele with a normal CAG repeat in genetically engineered pigs mimicking the selective neurodegeneration seen in patients with HD. A single intracranial or intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus encoding for Cas9, a single-guide RNA targeting the HTT gene, and donor DNA containing the normal CAG repeat led to the depletion of mutant HTT in the animals and to substantial reductions in the dysregulated expression and neurotoxicity of mutant HTT and in neurological symptoms. Our findings support the further translational development of virally delivered Cas9-based gene therapies for the treatment of genetic neurodegenerative diseases.
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Saher O, Zaghloul EM, Umek T, Hagey DW, Mozafari N, Danielsen MB, Gouda AS, Lundin KE, Jørgensen PT, Wengel J, Smith CIE, Zain R. Chemical Modifications and Design Influence the Potency of Huntingtin Anti-Gene Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:117-131. [PMID: 36735581 PMCID: PMC10066784 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative, trinucleotide repeat (TNR) disorder affecting both males and females. It is caused by an abnormal increase in the length of CAG•CTG TNR in exon 1 of the Huntingtin gene (HTT). The resultant, mutant HTT mRNA and protein cause neuronal toxicity, suggesting that reduction of their levels would constitute a promising therapeutic approach. We previously reported a novel strategy in which chemically modified oligonucleotides (ONs) directly target chromosomal DNA. These anti-gene ONs were able to downregulate both HTT mRNA and protein. In this study, various locked nucleic acid (LNA)/DNA mixmer anti-gene ONs were tested to investigate the effects of varying ON length, LNA content, and fatty acid modification on HTT expression. Altering the length did not significantly influence the ON potency, while LNA content was critical for activity. Utilization of palmitoyl-modified LNA monomers enhanced the ON activity relatively to the corresponding nonmodified LNA under serum starvation conditions. Furthermore, the number of palmitoylated LNA monomers and their positioning greatly affected ON potency. In addition, we performed RNA sequencing analysis, which showed that the anti-gene ONs affect the "immune system process, mRNA processing, and neurogenesis." Furthermore, we observed that for repeat containing genes, there is a higher tendency for antisense off-targeting. Taken together, our findings provide an optimized design of anti-gene ONs that could potentially be developed as DNA-targeting therapeutics for this class of TNR-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Saher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman M Zaghloul
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Tea Umek
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Daniel W Hagey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Negin Mozafari
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mathias B Danielsen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Alaa S Gouda
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Karin E Lundin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Per T Jørgensen
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jesper Wengel
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Biomolecular Nanoscale Engineering Center, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - C I Edvard Smith
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rula Zain
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Research Center Karolinska (TRACK), Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden.,Centre for Rare Diseases, Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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Cyclodextrin-Based Nanoparticles for Delivery of Antisense Oligonucleotides Targeting Huntingtin. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020520. [PMID: 36839842 PMCID: PMC9965918 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, which is translated into the pathologic mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein. Despite the great potential of HTT lowering strategies and the numerous antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in pre- and clinical trials, sustained silencing of mHTT has not been achieved. As a strategy to improve ASO delivery, cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles (CDs) offer a promising approach. Here, three CDs with distinct chemical structures were designed and their efficacies were compared as potential platforms for the delivery of ASO targeting HTT. Results using striatal neurons and HD patient-derived fibroblasts indicate that modified γ-CDs exhibited the best uptake efficiency and successfully downregulated mHTT at protein and allele levels. The incorporation of the brain-targeting peptide RVG into the modified γ-CDs showed greater downregulation of mHTT protein and HD-causing allele SNP1 than untargeted ones in an in vitro blood-brain barrier model. Although the ASO sequence was designed as a nonallele-specific therapeutic approach, our strategy gives an additional benefit of some mHTT selectivity. Overall, this study demonstrated the CD platform's feasibility for delivering ASO-based therapeutics for HD treatment.
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45
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Gangwani MR, Soto JS, Jami-Alahmadi Y, Tiwari S, Kawaguchi R, Wohlschlegel JA, Khakh BS. Neuronal and astrocytic contributions to Huntington's disease dissected with zinc finger protein transcriptional repressors. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111953. [PMID: 36640336 PMCID: PMC9898160 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by expanded CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT) resulting in expression of mutant HTT proteins (mHTT) with extended polyglutamine tracts, including in striatal neurons and astrocytes. It is unknown whether pathophysiology in vivo can be attenuated by lowering mHTT in either cell type throughout the brain, and the relative contributions of neurons and astrocytes to HD remain undefined. We use zinc finger protein (ZFP) transcriptional repressors to cell-selectively lower mHTT in vivo. Astrocytes display loss of essential functions such as cholesterol metabolism that are partly driven by greater neuronal dysfunctions, which encompass neuromodulation, synaptic, and intracellular signaling pathways. Using transcriptomics, proteomics, electrophysiology, and behavior, we dissect neuronal and astrocytic contributions to HD pathophysiology. Remarkably, brain-wide delivery of neuronal ZFPs results in strong mHTT lowering, rescue of HD-associated behavioral and molecular phenotypes, and significant extension of lifespan, findings that support translational development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohitkumar R. Gangwani
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Joselyn S. Soto
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Yasaman Jami-Alahmadi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Srushti Tiwari
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Riki Kawaguchi
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - James A. Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
| | - Baljit S. Khakh
- Department of Physiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA,Department of Neurobiology, University of California Los Angeles. Los Angeles, CA 90095-1751, USA
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46
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Zhang S, Cheng Y, Shang H. The updated development of blood-based biomarkers for Huntington's disease. J Neurol 2023; 270:2483-2503. [PMID: 36692635 PMCID: PMC9873222 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11572-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease caused by mutation of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. The identification of mutation carriers before symptom onset provides an opportunity to intervene in the early stage of the disease course. Optimal biomarkers are of great value to reflect neuropathological and clinical progression and are sensitive to potential disease-modifying treatments. Blood-based biomarkers have the merits of minimal invasiveness, low cost, easy accessibility and safety. In this review, we summarized the updated development of blood-based biomarkers for HD from six aspects, including neuronal injuries, oxidative stress, endocrine functions, immune reactions, metabolism and differentially expressed miRNAs. The blood-based biomarkers presented and discussed in this review were close to clinical applicability and might facilitate clinical design as surrogate endpoints. Exploration and validation of robust blood-based biomarkers require further standard and systemic study design in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirui Zhang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022West China School of Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Yangfan Cheng
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Huifang Shang
- grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China ,grid.412901.f0000 0004 1770 1022National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric, Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
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Smith EJ, Sathasivam K, Landles C, Osborne GF, Mason MA, Gomez-Paredes C, Taxy BA, Milton RE, Ast A, Schindler F, Zhang C, Duan W, Wanker EE, Bates GP. Early detection of exon 1 huntingtin aggregation in zQ175 brains by molecular and histological approaches. Brain Commun 2023; 5:fcad010. [PMID: 36756307 PMCID: PMC9901570 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcad010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntingtin-lowering approaches that target huntingtin expression are a major focus for therapeutic intervention for Huntington's disease. When the cytosine, adenine and guanine repeat is expanded, the huntingtin pre-mRNA is alternatively processed to generate the full-length huntingtin and HTT1a transcripts. HTT1a encodes the aggregation-prone and highly pathogenic exon 1 huntingtin protein. In evaluating huntingtin-lowering approaches, understanding how the targeting strategy modulates levels of both transcripts and the huntingtin protein isoforms that they encode will be essential. Given the aggregation-propensity of exon 1 huntingtin, the impact of a given strategy on the levels and subcellular location of aggregated huntingtin will need to be determined. We have developed and applied sensitive molecular approaches to monitor the levels of aggregated and soluble huntingtin isoforms in tissue lysates. We have used these, in combination with immunohistochemistry, to map the appearance and accumulation of aggregated huntingtin throughout the CNS of zQ175 mice, a model of Huntington's disease frequently chosen for preclinical studies. Aggregation analyses were performed on tissues from zQ175 and wild-type mice at monthly intervals from 1 to 6 months of age. We developed three homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays to track the accumulation of aggregated huntingtin and showed that two of these were specific for the exon 1 huntingtin protein. Collectively, the homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assays detected huntingtin aggregation in the 10 zQ175 CNS regions by 1-2 months of age. Immunohistochemistry with the polyclonal S830 anti-huntingtin antibody showed that nuclear huntingtin aggregation, in the form of a diffuse nuclear immunostain, could be visualized in the striatum, hippocampal CA1 region and layer IV of the somatosensory cortex by 2 months. That this diffuse nuclear immunostain represented aggregated huntingtin was confirmed by immunohistochemistry with a polyglutamine-specific antibody, which required formic acid antigen retrieval to expose its epitope. By 6 months of age, nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions were widely distributed throughout the brain. Homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence analysis showed that the comparative levels of soluble exon 1 huntingtin between CNS regions correlated with those for huntingtin aggregation. We found that soluble exon 1 huntingtin levels decreased over the 6-month period, whilst those of soluble full-length mutant huntingtin remained unchanged, data that were confirmed for the cortex by immunoprecipitation and western blotting. These data support the hypothesis that exon 1 huntingtin initiates the aggregation process in knock-in mouse models and pave the way for a detailed analysis of huntingtin aggregation in response to huntingtin-lowering treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward J Smith
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Kirupa Sathasivam
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Christian Landles
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Georgina F Osborne
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Michael A Mason
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Casandra Gomez-Paredes
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Bridget A Taxy
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Rebecca E Milton
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Anne Ast
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Franziska Schindler
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Chuangchuang Zhang
- Division of Neurobiology, Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Department Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Wenzhen Duan
- Division of Neurobiology, Department Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Department Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Erich E Wanker
- Neuroproteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 13125, Germany
| | - Gillian P Bates
- Huntington’s Disease Centre, Department of Neurodegenerative Disease and UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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Feehley T, O’Donnell CW, Mendlein J, Karande M, McCauley T. Drugging the epigenome in the age of precision medicine. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:6. [PMID: 36631803 PMCID: PMC9832256 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01419-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modulating the epigenome has long been considered a potential opportunity for therapeutic intervention in numerous disease areas with several approved therapies marketed, primarily for cancer. Despite the overall promise of early approaches, however, these drugs have been plagued by poor pharmacokinetic and safety/tolerability profiles due in large part to off-target effects and a lack of specificity. RESULTS Recently, there has been marked progress in the field on a new generation of epigenomic therapies which address these challenges directly by targeting defined loci with highly precise, durable, and tunable approaches. Here, we review the promise and pitfalls of epigenetic drug development to date and provide an outlook on recent advances and their promise for future therapeutic applications. CONCLUSIONS Novel therapeutic modalities leveraging epigenetics and epigenomics with increased precision are well positioned to advance the field and treat patients across disease areas in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Feehley
- Omega Therapeutics, 20 Acorn Park Drive, Suite 400, Cambridge, MA 02140 USA
| | | | - John Mendlein
- grid.510906.b0000 0004 6487 6319Flagship Pioneering, 55 Cambridge Parkway Suite 800E, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA
| | - Mahesh Karande
- Omega Therapeutics, 20 Acorn Park Drive, Suite 400, Cambridge, MA 02140 USA
| | - Thomas McCauley
- Omega Therapeutics, 20 Acorn Park Drive, Suite 400, Cambridge, MA 02140 USA
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Sapp E, Boudi A, Reid SJ, Trombetta BA, Kivisäkk P, Taghian T, Arnold SE, Howland D, Gray-Edwards H, Kegel-Gleason KB, DiFiglia M. Levels of Synaptic Proteins in Brain and Neurofilament Light Chain in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma of OVT73 Huntington's Disease Sheep Support a Prodromal Disease State. J Huntingtons Dis 2023; 12:201-213. [PMID: 37661892 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-230590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synaptic changes occur early in patients with Huntington's disease (HD) and in mouse models of HD. An analysis of synaptic changes in HD transgenic sheep (OVT73) is fitting since they have been shown to have some phenotypes. They also have larger brains, longer lifespan, and greater motor and cognitive capacities more aligned with humans, and can provide abundant biofluids for in vivo monitoring of therapeutic interventions. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine if there were differences between 5- and 10-year-old OVT73 and wild-type (WT) sheep in levels of synaptic proteins in brain and in neurofilament light chain (NfL) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma. METHODS Mutant huntingtin (mHTT) and other proteins were measured by western blot assay in synaptosomes prepared from caudate, motor, and piriform cortex in 5-year-old and caudate, putamen, motor; and piriform cortex in 10-year-old WT and OVT73 sheep. Levels of NfL, a biomarker for neuronal damage increased in many neurological disorders including HD, were examined in CSF and plasma samples from 10-year-old WT and OVT73 sheep using the Simoa NfL Advantage kit. RESULTS Western blot analysis showed mHTT protein expression in synaptosomes from OVT73 sheep was 23% of endogenous sheep HTT levels at both ages. Significant changes were detected in brain levels of PDE10A, SCN4B, DARPP32, calmodulin, SNAP25, PSD95, VGLUT 1, VAMP1, and Na+/K+-ATPase, which depended on age and brain region. There was no difference in NfL levels in CSF and plasma in OVT73 sheep compared to age-matched WT sheep. CONCLUSIONS These results show that synaptic changes occur in brain of 5- and 10-year-old OVT73 sheep, but levels of NfL in biofluids are unaffected. Altogether, the data support a prodromal disease state in OVT73 sheep that involves the caudate, putamen and cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adel Boudi
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzanne J Reid
- Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bianca A Trombetta
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Clinical and Translational Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pia Kivisäkk
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Clinical and Translational Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Toloo Taghian
- Department of Radiology and Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Steven E Arnold
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer's Clinical and Translational Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Heather Gray-Edwards
- Department of Radiology and Horae Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly B Kegel-Gleason
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Mass General Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Morelli KH, Wu Q, Gosztyla ML, Liu H, Yao M, Zhang C, Chen J, Marina RJ, Lee K, Jones KL, Huang MY, Li A, Smith-Geater C, Thompson LM, Duan W, Yeo GW. An RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13d system alleviates disease-related phenotypes in Huntington's disease models. Nat Neurosci 2023; 26:27-38. [PMID: 36510111 PMCID: PMC9829537 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-022-01207-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG trinucleotide expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin (HTT) gene. Since the reduction of pathogenic mutant HTT messenger RNA is therapeutic, we developed a mutant allele-sensitive CAGEX RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13d system (Cas13d-CAGEX) that eliminates toxic CAGEX RNA in fibroblasts derived from patients with HD and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons. We show that intrastriatal delivery of Cas13d-CAGEX via an adeno-associated viral vector selectively reduces mutant HTT mRNA and protein levels in the striatum of heterozygous zQ175 mice, a model of HD. This also led to improved motor coordination, attenuated striatal atrophy and reduction of mutant HTT protein aggregates. These phenotypic improvements lasted for at least eight months without adverse effects and with minimal off-target transcriptomic effects. Taken together, we demonstrate proof of principle of an RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13d system as a therapeutic approach for HD, a strategy with implications for the treatment of other dominantly inherited disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Morelli
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Qian Wu
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Maya L Gosztyla
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hongshuai Liu
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Minmin Yao
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chuangchuang Zhang
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ryan J Marina
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kari Lee
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Krysten L Jones
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Megan Y Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Allison Li
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Charlene Smith-Geater
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Leslie M Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Wenzhen Duan
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- The Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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